Gourcuff prolongs Rennes deal with dad as coach

Rennes (France) (AFP) – Former France international Yoann Gourcuff has extended his deal with Brittany outfit Rennes, coached by his father, for a further two seasons, the Ligue 1 club said on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old former AC Milan midfielder, described as the new Zinedine Zidane on his arrival in Serie A in 2006, has been out of contract since June 30.

With few clubs banging on his door Gourcuff signed a new two-year dear with the club which is now coached by his father Christian.

“It’s wierd but I fully agree with everything he wants to put in place at Rennes,” said the player, who also previously had stints with French clubs Bordeaux and Lyon.

“I have the same vision of football and the same sensitivity to the game. I hope we will all flourish.”

A technically gifted midfielder whose attitude has often come under the spotlight, Gourcuff played 31 times for France and was part of the ill-fated 2010 World Cup squad that crashed in the first round in South Africa.